5 Things the St. Louis Rams Must Improve Over the Offseason

By Jerry Landry

5 Things the St. Louis Rams Must Improve Over the Offseason

St. Louis Rams Quarterback Shaun Hill Number 14 — The St. Louis Rams have come so close in a division that is so difficult. If a silver lining could be felt, it’s that if the Rams can align their franchise’s apex with that of the NFC West, St. Louis would once again become the greatest show on turf. In order to reach that pinnacle again, here are five things the St. Louis Rams must improve over the offseason.

5. Figure Out the Quarterback Situation

Sam Bradford Injured St. Louis Rams Quarterback

5. Figure Out the Quarterback Situation

Sam Bradford Injured St. Louis Rams Quarterback — Is Sam Bradford still the guy? Can he stay healthy? Can St. Louis endure another season of deficient quarterback play? I believe the answer to all three of these is ‘No.’ The Rams still owe Bradford guaranteed money, but this should not deter them from rapidly-developing his replacement.

4. Figure Out the Running Game

Tre Mason St. Louis Rams versus Seattle Seahawks

4. Figure Out the Running Game

Tre Mason St. Louis Rams versus Seattle Seahawks — Tre Mason is promising, but that’s what we also thought about Zac Stacy. Rams fans have every right to reticence in predicting whether either of these backs will pan out. St. Louis was 20th in the NFL in rushing, so this is an obvious area of improvement, whether they rely more heavily on Mason or go lightning and thunder by dividing carries with Stacy.

3. The Deep Threat

Kenny Britt St. Louis Rams Wide Receiver

3. The Deep Threat

Kenny Britt St. Louis Rams Wide Receiver — Although this problem is derivative of poor quarterback play, the Rams have to throw the ball down the field more consistently. Kenny Britt led all receivers with 15.6 yards per catch, but he only had three touchdowns to show for it. In order to tread water in the NFC West, you have to be willing to float the football deep.

2. The Turnover Differential

Seattle Seahawks interception against St. Louis Rams football

2. The Turnover Differential

Seattle Seahawks interception against St. Louis Rams football — The Rams gave the ball away more than they acquired it, ranking 19th in turnover differential at minus-two. Only one playoff team fared worse, the Indianapolis Colts, who proved they’re merely an outlier among company you don’t want to keep.

1. Third Down Conversions (Offense)

Shaun Hill under center St. Louis Rams Football

1. Third Down Conversions (Offense)

Shaun Hill under center St. Louis Rams Football — A final separation factor between good teams and bad ones is their ability to extend drives. St. Louis was 27th in the league, converting third downs into first downs just 35.4 percent of the time. Performing poorly in this metric reflects the added toll the Rams put on their defense and special teams and has highlighted one of their greatest areas needing improvement.

Teams in this article »

Los Angeles Rams

Share On Facebook

Share